French officials try to conceal police brutality

French officials are pushing ahead with their attempts to suppress a website that reveals cases of police brutality, Press TV reports.

Political analysts say the new French Prime Minister Manuel Valls is trying to silence whistleblowers who aim to disclose French police’s brutality.

After the death of his brother by the police, Amal Bentounsi started the website, so that people can share their stories of police violence.

“This is the reality. Our police are committed to be evolved in law. For me, it is essential that I say this openly, because these killings did not stop with my brother. We must change the laws and end this immunity for police who commit crimes,” Bentounsi said.

The site is opposed by the strict code of silence among the police and politicians all the way up the political ladder. They contend that the site is guilty of defamation, as it alleges criminal wrongdoing that can only be proved in a court of law.

“Defamation must be precise accusations against a clear target. This website broadcasts general impressions and societal observations that police brutalities are problem. But why does state spend time pursuing the victims of police brutality instead of the police who have allegedly committed it?” Michel Konitz, Bentounsi’s lawyer said.

French police have been repeatedly reprimanded by institutions like the UN Human Rights Commission for using excessive violence especially towards the citizens.

While citizens are often targeted by France’s legal system, multiple studies show that cases of police violence against civilians are rarely investigated thoroughly. Surveys also indicate that accused police officers seldom face justice.